The order, which Facebook has not yet received since it must physically be delivered in the U.S., requires the company to reveal the names, e-mail addresses, and IP addresses of the people who launched the abusive messages. Facebook confirmed with BBC News that it would comply with the order and turn over the requested information on the members.

CNET contacted Facebook for comment and will update the story when we get more details.

The company did issue the following statement to the Guardian:

"There is no place for harassment on Facebook, but unfortunately a small minority of malicious individuals exist online, just as they do offline. We respect our legal obligations and work with law enforcement to ensure that such people are brought to justice."

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This case could very well establish a precedent as the Guardian believes it to be the first in which an individual was able to legally force Facebook to reveal the names of members involved in cyberbullying.

Once she learns their identities, Brookes plans to file a lawsuit against at least four of her alleged abusers.

"I want them exposed. They exposed me and they invaded my life," she told the Guardian. "I didn't ask for it. They wanted a reaction from me and now they have got it."

About the author

Journalist, software trainer, and Web developer Lance Whitney writes columns and reviews for CNET, Computer Shopper, Microsoft TechNet, and other technology sites. His first book, "Windows 8 Five Minutes at a Time," was published by Wiley & Sons in November 2012.
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